viewfinder storage tip

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rbsinto

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I recently got a CV 21 f4 for my S3. It's a very nice lens, but unfortunately it doesn't come with a convenient storage case for the auxilliary viewfinder.
I'm not crazy about schlepping the finder around loose in my pocket or camera bag when I'm not using it, and don't think leaving it on the camera all the time is a great solution either.
I solved the problem by taking an old jewellery ring box, tearing out the lining, and replacing it with a piece of camp foam with a shaped cut-out of the finder for it to seat in.
The finder's glass faces are protected from scratches and dust, and the box is just big enough to find easily without looking when I stick my hand into my bag.
I hope this information is helpful.
 
Thanks for the tip. The finder for my CV 25/4 came with a little cloth pouch, and I used that to keep track of it.
 
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It's a good idea to treat the CV finders gently. Optically, they are excellent. But my 25mm finder has twice had its brightline frames tilt out of allignment ... something I didn't spot until I noticed my photos were not longer level. You have to disassemble the finder and rotate the glass disc with the brightline frame.
 
Fred,
Your reply has that "What a cheapskate he is" feel to it.
First of all, I didn't even know they made cases with a compartment for the finder in them. I bought both of my CV lenses all-but-new from Mike Symons in BC, and cases were not part of the package.
And second, even if I had known, I stopped using those useless never-ready type camera cases or the Nuclear Holocaust-Proof lens cases years ago when I decided my gear was for shooting rather than show, and unless I did something really stupid, front and back caps were more than good enough to protect lense already in a camera bag.
Since the finder doesn't have front and back caps, or a little case that doesn't take up a lot of room in my bag, I came up with an excellent solution that cost me exactly $00.00 (in Canadian funds of course).
 
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Good point Brian.
However, the foam I used is a remnant from a package I purchased 20 or 25 years ago to beef up the protection of some of my ice-hockey goaltending equipment.
Additionally, it's been used as padding in my camera bag and other places where it has come into contact with lens glass elements before, with no adverse effects.
 
I use the little velvet bags that have a drawstring on them. You can get them a the same Jewelry store, that you used , when you bought your wife some bling to even out the camera you just paid too much for.
 
Fred,
I checked Mr. Gandy's site, and yes, you are correct in that the case for the CV 21 lens and viewfinder costs $35.00 in US funds.
And his minimum shipping charge to Canada by US Express Mail is $30.00 US.
So, for me to buy a lens case that I don't want or need just to get a storage container for the viewfinder will cost me $65.00 US, which is about $75.00 Canadian, plus the cost of purchasing a Canada Post Money Order which is about $5.00 Canadian, plus the cost of sending the Money Order by Registered Mail, which is about $ 7.00 Canadian. With me so far? That's $87.00 Canadian to buy this spiffy case.
Or, I can take a jewellery box that my wife has lying around in a drawer, (which costs nothing) and line it with a bit of camp foam that I have lying around (which also costs nothing) and get the job done just as well in less space and save the money to buy something I can actually use to take photos. Like a lens, or whatever.
And I won't mention it again either.
 
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rbsinto said:
I recently got a CV 21 f4 for my S3. It's a very nice lens, but unfortunately it doesn't come with a convenient storage case for the auxilliary viewfinder.
I'm not crazy about schlepping the finder around loose in my pocket or camera bag when I'm not using it, and don't think leaving it on the camera all the time is a great solution either.
I solved the problem by taking an old jewellery ring box, tearing out the lining, and replacing it with a piece of camp foam with a shaped cut-out of the finder for it to seat in.
The finder's glass faces are protected from scratches and dust, and the box is just big enough to find easily without looking when I stick my hand into my bag.
I hope this information is helpful.
Click to expand...

I use Apple Ipod Socks. Size is just right (they even take the 12mm finder, a bit bigger), not that expensive and colour-coded! Take a look at the attached pic...
 

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hmm .. ok.. I use small bags bought in chinese shops.
They are made of silk and have knot type of closure. I put the CV lens, nikon and Finders on each (they have different sizes) and they cost.... 3-5 euros depending on the size. All different colors and motifs. I will post a picture later for better understanding.
And since they are made of silk.. no scracthes!
 
f2eyelevel,
what keeps the viewfinder from moving around inside the pill bottle and scratching up the glass surfaces? With my jewellery box the finder is held in place in the foam well and the entire inside of the box is lined with soft material so there is no chance of the glass surfaces getting scratched.
 
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I cut a slot in a film canister that holds the shoe on my vewfinder. As long as the cap snaps onto the outside rather than inside like the clear Fuji canisters, the cap still snaps on just fine.
It can be a little frustrating though if I'm frantically trying to reload and manage to grab my finder instead of a new roll 😛
 

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I raided an old flash extender for its shoe and drilled holes in the back-cap of the 21/4 S-lens. I had to re-drill the holes in the flash shoe and tapped them with a M2 tap. Now I can stick the finder on top (or bottom - depends on point of view) of the cap, with the lens attched. I usually drop the thing in my bag and let the lens/finder combo fend for itself there.
I think this way is less cruel than leaving small children sock-less on one foot - although it might be good to teach them that life is not a cake-walk!
 
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